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Born: July 12, 1948 – Died: August 24, 2017
Jay Thomas, best known for his role in "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause," was born in Kermit, Texas. He came from a diverse family background, with his mother Katherine being a tap-dancing South Louisiana belle of Italian descent, and his father T. Harry Terrell, Sr. working as an oil man. Raised in New Orleans, Thomas was always involved in sports and performing, showcasing his talents early on as the emcee of his high school talent show. Throughout his career, Thomas achieved great success as a stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality, earning two Emmy Awards for his role in "Murphy Brown." With his dynamic range and natural charisma, Thomas left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Jay Thomas had a diverse background, with his mother being a tap-dancing South Louisiana belle of Italian descent and his father working in the oil industry. He grew up in New Orleans and was involved in sports and performing from a young age. He gained early recognition as the emcee of his high school talent show.
Thomas attended several universities including Gulf Coast College, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Central Piedmont College, and Jacksonville University. He earned an AA, BS, and MA during his educational journey.
Thomas started his career as a sports announcer and DJ in college. He also played three years of small college football as a quarterback. After moving to New York City, he became a top-rated morning DJ and a comic at the Improv. He then ventured into acting, starting with a role in "Mork and Mindy." He later pursued a successful career in off-Broadway acting, blending comedy and drama.
One of Thomas' first major successful roles was on the hit show "Cheers," where he portrayed Carla's ice hockey-playing husband, Eddie LeBec. However, it was his portrayal of Jerry Gold on "Murphy Brown" that earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Thomas won two Primetime Emmy Awards for this role.
Thomas appeared in a variety of films and television shows throughout his career, including "Mr. Holland's Opus," "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause," and "Love & war." He had a natural charisma and a dynamic range as an actor, which contributed to his success and made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Outside of acting, Thomas had a diverse range of talents and interests. He was a skilled stand-up comedian, radio personality, and host of his own talk show on SiriusXM. Additionally, he hosted shows at various venues, including Carolines in New York City and the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
In terms of his personal life, Thomas was married and had two sons.
Jay Thomas is considered a respected and beloved figure in the industry, known for his comedic timing, versatile acting abilities, and warm personality. His contribution to television and film has solidified his place as an icon in the entertainment world.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2013–2017 | Ray Donovan (TV Series) | Marty Grossman |
| 2015 | Bones (TV Series) | Lenny Jay |
| 2015 | NCIS: New Orleans (TV Series) | Marc Maslow |
| 2014 | Newsreaders (TV Series) | Ted Fishlake |
| 2013 | The Trials of Cate McCall | Loncraine |
| 2013 | Underdogs | Mike Mayhew |
| 2013 | Life Tracker | Attorney General |
| 2012 | Shake It Up (TV Series) | Dan Gold |
| 2011 | Snatched | Roger Byamm |
| 2011 | Horrorween (Video) | Two Headed Monster |
| 2011 | Hung (TV Series) | Sandee's father |
| 2011 | Talker (Short) | JJ Justice |
| 2011 | A Kiss for Jed | Carter |
| 2011 | The Road to Independence: The Movie (Video) | Benjamin Franklin |
| 2011 | Retired at 35 (TV Series) | Mr. Jenkins |
| 2007–2010 | American Dad! (TV Series) | Brett Morris (voice) |
| 2010 | Sex Tax: Based on a True Story | Charles Taylor |
| 2010 | Cold Case (TV Series) | Lance Katrola '10 |
| 2009 | The Pool Boys | Marty |
| 2009 | The Spirit of '76 (Video) | Benjamin Franklin |
| 2009 | Labor Pains | Garth |
| 2008 | Boston Legal (TV Series) | Ian Hoberman |
| 2006 | The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause | Easter Bunny |
| 2004 | Copshop (TV Movie) | Det. Mo Diamond |
| 2004 | Joan of Arcadia (TV Series) | Obnoxious Investor at Spa |
| 2004 | Teacher's Pet | Barry Anger (voice) |
| 2003 | Why I Hate Parties (But Pretend to Love Them) (Short) | Extra |
| 2003 | Run of the House (TV Series) | Bob Melman |
| 2002 | The Santa Clause 2 | Easter Bunny |
| 2002 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series) | Joe Sherman |
| 2001–2002 | The Education of Max Bickford (TV Series) | Jerry | Jerry Zibowski |
| 2002 | Dragonfly | Hal |
| 2002 | Monday Night Mayhem (TV Movie) | Pete Rozelle |
| 2002 | Ed (TV Series) | Gary Siringo |
| 2001 | Surfacing: AKA A Letter from My Father | Tom |
| 2000 | Two Heterosexual Men Get Ready to Go Out (Short) | Unknown |
| 2000 | Trial by Media (TV Movie) | Timber Tucker |
| 1999 | Katie Joplin (TV Series) | Glen Shotz |
| 1999 | The Big Tease | Tony Bolero (uncredited) |
| 1999 | The Wild Thornberrys (TV Series) | Bull Seal (voice) |
| 1999 | Get Real (TV Series) | Jeffrey Marks |
| 1999 | Hercules: Zero to Hero (Video) | Ares (voice) |
| 1999 | M.U.G.E.N (Video Game) | Unknown |
| 1999 | Total Stranger | Ray Young |
| 1999 | Dead Man's Gun (TV Series) | Emil Kosar |
| 1998–1999 | Hercules (TV Series) | Ares (voice) |
| 1999 | Fantasy Island (TV Series) | Carl Harbin |
| 1999 | Last Chance | Artie |
| 1998 | Monkey Business | Tedesco |
| 1998 | The Adventures of Ragtime | Lester Waylin |
| 1998 | The Simple Life (TV Series) | Joel Campbell |
| 1998 | The Wonderful World of Disney (TV Series) | Charles Fletcher |
| 1989–1998 | Murphy Brown (TV Series) | Jerry Gold |
| 1997 | Working (TV Series) | Mr. Peyser |
| 1997 | Aaahh!!! Real Monsters (TV Series) | Disembodied (voice) |
| 1997 | A Smile Like Yours | Steve Harris |
| 1997 | Desert's Edge (TV Movie) | Hewitt |
| 1996–1997 | Ink (TV Series) | Jack Stein |
| 1997 | Killing Mr. Griffin (TV Movie) | Mr. Griffin |
| 1996 | Dirty Laundry | Joey Greene |
| 1996 | Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man (TV Series) | Achmed Abjeer (voice) |
| 1996 | Encino Woman (TV Movie) | Marvin Reckler |
| 1996 | A Husband, a Wife and a Lover (TV Movie) | Eric McKeever |
| 1992–1995 | Love & War (TV Series) | Jack Stein |
| 1995 | Mr. Holland's Opus | Bill Meister |
| 1995 | Bless This House (TV Series) | Ted |
| 1995 | Cybill (TV Series) | Jay (uncredited) |
| 1992–1993 | Bobby's World (TV Series) | (voice) |
| 1992 | Goof Troop (TV Series) | Mr. Sludge (voice) |
| 1992 | Batman: The Animated Series (TV Series) | Guard 1 (voice) |
| 1992 | Straight Talk | Zim Zimmerman |
| 1990–1991 | Married People (TV Series) | Russell Meyers |
| 1990 | Little Vegas | Bobby |
| 1990 | The American Film Institute Presents: TV or Not TV? (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1990 | ...Where's Rodney? (TV Movie) | Lou Barnes |
| 1990 | Open House (TV Series) | Evan Gimble |
| 1990 | Miracle Landing (TV Movie) | Ed Meyer, Maui Tower Supervisor |
| 1989 | Freddy's Nightmares (TV Series) | Stan Brooks |
| 1987–1989 | Cheers (TV Series) | Eddie LeBec |
| 1989 | The Golden Girls (TV Series) | Sy Ferber |
| 1989 | Almost Grown (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1988 | The Magical World of Disney (TV Series) | Delivery Man |
| 1987 | A Year in the Life (TV Series) | Scott Spencer |
| 1987 | Family Ties (TV Series) | Jerry DiNello |
| 1986 | Legal Eagles | Waiter in Restaurant |
| 1985 | The Gig | Rick Valentine |
| 1985 | Spenser: For Hire (TV Series) | Tony Broz |
| 1985 | The Park Is Mine (TV Movie) | TV Reporter (uncredited) |
| 1984 | C.H.U.D. | Cop in Diner |
| 1984 | Master of the Game (TV Mini Series) | Levy |
| 1979–1981 | Mork & Mindy (TV Series) | Remo DaVinci |
| 1981 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Paul Harris |
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